Storage case and methods thereof

The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/931,582 entitled “STORAGE CASE AND METHODS THEREOF,” filed May 13, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/847,244 entitled “STORAGE CASE AND METHODS THEREOF,” filed May 13, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a storage case and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an easily portable case that may comprise compartments and storage areas for items such as a ground herb, pipes, filter screens, multi-tools, and/or the like.

Various smokable herbs such as ground, tobacco, or the like, may be stored in various cases and containers. One such case may be referred to as a dugout. A dugout may refer to a hand-held box typically made of wood with two compartments. One compartment holds a pipe and a second compartment holds a limited amount of ground. In use, a user would slide open the dugout, pull out the pipe and pack it by pressing it into the compartment containing smokable herbs such as ground, or the like. Dugouts are popular because of their portability, relative discreetness, and level of easiness to use. They are still relatively thick though and not as easily portable as other items commonly carried in a user's pocket, such as a mobile phone, a portable music player, or the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a storage case and methods of utilizing the same. In some embodiments, a hand-held case may feature various applications. For example, a hand-held case may include a central compartment defined by an outer wall, a top lid with a cover for covering the central compartment, the top lid movable from a closed position to an open position, a bottom lid for covering a bottom compartment. In some embodiments, a storage case my include a central compartment defined by an outer wall, the central compartment sized to accept a smokable herb; a top lid comprising a cover for covering the central compartment, the top lid movable from a closed position to an open position; a bottom lid comprising a slidable cover for covering a bottom compartment; a tool compartment for storing a tool, the tool compartment disposed on a lateral side of the central compartment; and a pipe compartment for storing a pipe, the pipe compartment disposed on an opposite lateral side of the central compartment from the tool compartment, or the like.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a storage case and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an easily portablecase that may comprise various compartments and storage areas for items such as pipes, filter screens, multi-tools, herbs, and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “,” “marijuana,” or “herb” may refer to a product of aplant or hemp plant, a flowering plant including the species (or sub-species), and, or the like. The term “bud” may refer to the flower of the mature marijuana plant, or the like. Buds may include portions of the plant that a user may dry, grind up, and/or smoke, or the like. While embodiments disclosed herein are discussed with respect to storage and use of, the storage of other smokable herbs, plants, or substances such as tobacco, or the like, is contemplated by and within the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure depicted in the figures include a storage case that is thinner and more easily portable than a dugout or similar cases. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a thin case that is designed and configured to store herbs, pipe, filters, and a tool for packing and de-clumping smokable herb in a single portable unit.

Referring now to, a storage casein accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The storage casemay comprise an herb or central compartment, a bottom compartment, a top lid, a lid grip, an outer wall, hinges, a seal, a filer compartment, a bottom lid, a smoking device or pipe, and/or a tool or multi-tool.

A casein accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a slim and sleek design. The case may be made of stainless steel, although any suitable combination of rigid or semi-rigid material such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites is contemplated by and within embodiments of the present disclosure. A casemay comprise a metal with a shiny appearance on the exterior of the case. A casemay be made of quality sturdy components that are designed to resist breaking or damage with normal use. For example, a casemay comprise a lid with a hinge comprising a thickness to resist breaking when the caseis opened and closed, or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, a case, may present a multitude of remarkable features contributing to its efficacy and versatility. A solid stainless-steel construction may ensure durability and longevity, providing a reliable housing for the case's contents. The casemay have a slim or ultra-slim profile. For example, a casemay have a width ranging between 5-16 mm. A case may be specifically designed to be approximately 8 mm wide, or the like. The casemay be remarkably portable and easily manageable, akin to contemporary handheld gadgets like mobile phones, or the like.

In some embodiments, the casemay include a central compartmentencased by an outer walland tailored to accommodate various smokable herbs, such as ground, tobacco, and/or the like. The central compartmentmay be configured in an oval shape or a rectangular shape, and may offer generous storage space, in some cases extending down more than 50% of the length of the case for optimal herb storage capacity. A tool compartmentand/or pipe compartmentmay be positioned adjacent to the central compartmenton either side of the central compartmentand may each be meticulously designed for specific storage functionalities.

In some embodiments, a top lidmay feature a flip-top design complete with one or more hinges, thereby allowing a smooth transition from a closed to an open position and ensuring easy access to the central compartment, or the like. Hingesmay be constructed to be flat or substantially flat and flush with the rear wall of the case. Hingesmay be designed and shaped to minimize protrusion, lessening the risk of the casesnagging on fabric or something else when pulled from a pocket or otherwise transported, while also enhancing the case's sleek aesthetic. Furthermore, the top lidmay be affixed with a magnet, strategically positioned adjacent to the side wall when closed thereby securing the lid to the outer wall and maintaining a tight scal.

A seal, which may include a custom-fit elastomer, or the like, may ensure the interior of the central compartmentremains substantially airtight when sealed. The sealmay be engineered and sized to create a substantially impermeable seal. This seal, coupled with precision engineered hinges, may facilitate secure sealing while enabling effortless opening for the user. Additionally, a hook or latch may be incorporated to the top lidto ensure closure. The seal, crafted from food-safe silicone or rubber, effectively prevents odors from escaping the case, maintaining freshness, and preventing odor dispersion. A bottom lidmay be a sliding cover that conceals a bottom compartment, offering supplementary storage space for additional accessories, such as filters for a pipe, or the like. A toolmay be adapted for scooping, compacting, and cleaning smokable herb from the central compartment and may be housed within a tool compartment. The tool compartmentmay be strategically positioned on a lateral side of central compartmentfor easy access.

A pipefor smoking a smokable herb may be included. A pipemay be curved and feature a tapered center for enhanced grip and ease of handling, or the like. A center portion of the pipemay be narrower than the outer ends to enhance the grip for the user. A pipemay be equipped with a filter slot or filter openingfor storing pipe filters, which are adapted to filter unwanted elements during the smoking process. Additionally, the casea pipe compartmentmay include a spring-loaded design that facilitates effortless retrieval of the pipe when the top lid is opened. The spring-loaded design may include a springin the base of the pipe compartmentthat may push the pipeupward and at least partially outward of the pipe compartmentso that it can be easily grabbed by a user when the top lidis opened. The top lidmay push the pipedownward within the pipe compartment and compress the springwhen the top lidis in the closed position. When the top lidis opened, the pipemay raise out of the pipe compartmentbecause it is pushed up by the springor other suitable raising mechanism.

The casemay also include a filter compartmentthat may be disposed on the bottom of the case. The filter compartmentmay include several openings to accommodate several filtersfor use with the pipe. Filtersmay be sized to contain smokable herb and enhance the smoking experience by providing a filtered and smoother draw. A casemay offer a comprehensive solution for the storage and utilization of smokable herbs, all within a compact, portable design.

Referring to, a caseis depicted with the pipeand multi-toolremoved. The casemay comprise a tool compartmentfor housing the multi-tooland a pipe compartment. Referring to, a front vertical cross-sectional view of a casewith a top lidin a closed position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The casemay comprise a bottom compartmentand one or more pipe filter compartmentsfor housing pipe filters, or the like. The casemay be adapted to store and carry an amount of, which may be ground, or the like within the central compartment.

depict a bottom lidwith a seal bufferin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. A seal buffermay be integrated within the bottom lidor attached to the bottom lidto enhance the security and protection of the contents of the bottom compartment and the filter compartment, such as one or more filters, or the like. Scal buffersmay be protrusions positioned on the inner surface of the lid, and may exert pressure on the contents within the casewhen the bottom lidis in the closed position to maintain the stability of the contents, such as the filters, and prevent shifting during storage and transit, or the like.

Structurally, a seal buffermay include various forms to accommodate different casedesigns. It may consist of one or more raised ridges of varying lengths extending along the inner perimeter of the lid. In some embodiments, seal buffersmay be a series of strategically placed bumps or nodules, or a continuous strip of resilient material such as rubber or silicone adhered to the inner circumference of the lid. During operation, when the lid is closed, seal buffermay create a protective buffer between the lid and the contents of the case. This buffer effectively absorbs external pressure and impacts, safeguarding the contents from damage. Additionally, seal buffermay ensure a tight seal when the bottom lidis secured shut, thereby preserving the integrity of the stored items.depict an exemplary pipecomprising a tapered portionand a pipe filter slot. The interior portion of the pipemay comprise a straight tube structure and the exterior layer may be curved and tapered.

depict a pipe filtercomprising a rounded bottomand apertures for filtering. In some embodiments the filterhas a cylindrical shape with an opening at one end tapering to a rounded bottom at the other end. The filtermay be made of a material resistant to damage, such as metal or a suitable alternative, and may be designed to fit snugly into the opening of a pipe or smoking device. The shape of the filterallows for easy insertion into the pipe and a secure fit within the pipe while also promoting an uninterrupted airflow that results in a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience for the user. The filtermay comprise apertures dispersed over its surface, such as a mesh or perforated material designed to trap unwanted particles and impurities present in the smoke. This mesh, perforated material, and/or the like acts as a barrier, effectively filtering out undesirable elements while allowing the desired smoke to pass through unhindered. The opening may allow the user to insert smokable herb or other substances into the filter. Once inserted, the filter may securely store the material in place. The structure of a filtermay be designed to enhance the smoking experience by providing effective filtration while maintaining case of use.

depict a multi-toolcomprising a tool headand a tool plunger. The dotted line inis intended to indicate the tool plungermay have various lengths.depict a multi-toolcomprising a tool head, a tool plunger, and a tool shovel. The dotted lines inare included to show the length of the plungermay vary, but generally may be sized to fit within the case. The tool headmay comprise one or more teeth separated by gaps A. The teeth may be used to compact a smokable herp and/or scrape it from the pipeand/or the case. The tool shovelmay be used to scoop up smokable herb from the central compartmentand place it in a filterof a pipe, and/or the like.

may depict a casewith a funnelhaving a funnel openingfor funneling, herbs into the case, or the like. The funnelmay have a rectangular, oval, square, or round shape adapted to fit within the opening of the caseand funnel herb into the case.depict views of a case in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.depict views of a case in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

depict views of a portion of a casein accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a casemay include a lid armextending from a lid of the case. The lid armmay comprise a curved or hooked shape to enable the lid to rotate open and closed. The lid armmay include an arm extensionextending horizontally from the lid armfor seating within an arm holder. For example, the arm extensionmay be a cylindrical pin sized to rotate about an axis when seated within the arm holder. The arm holdermay comprise a curved interior surface for accepting the arm extensionand allowing the lid to rotate open and closed. In this configuration, the back of the lid has no external hinge pieces and the portion of the case where the lid meets outer wall of the case is a flat plane with no protrusions. One advantage of this design is that there is no external hinge pieces protruding from the back of the case. As such, this design lowers the risk of the case getting caught on a thread, fabric, or the like, when inserted into, or removed from, a pocket or other storage area.

depict views of a portion of a casein accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the casemay comprise a first armattached to the outer wall of the case, and a second armattached to the lid of the case. In this example, the second armmay comprise an extension or pin, or there may be a separate pin for attaching the first armand the second armrotatably about an axis, thereby allowing the lid of the caseto rotate open and closed. The back of the case (see) comprises a flat plane, wherein the second armmay be flush with the outer wall. When the lid is closed in this design, the second armis adjacent to the outer wall surface so that they are substantially level or even with each other, without any protrusions or indentations. The second armand the outer wall of the case may fit seamlessly together, creating a smooth and continuous appearance and tight seal to the central compartment.

depict views of a portion of a casein accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a casemay include a center armattached to a lid disposed between two side armsattached to the outer wall of the case, the arrangement for allowing the lid to rotate open and closed. The center armmay sit between and be attached to the side armsand be rotatably attached to the side armsvia a pin, extensions from the center arm, or the like.

In certain embodiments, variations of the case design may incorporate features tailored to specific user preferences or operational requirements. These may encompass the absence of a spring-loaded lid mechanism, or larger inset magnets or clips for secure closure. Furthermore, to prevent accidental displacement, an extended track for the bottom panel may be implemented, ensuring stability and preventing unintended sliding. A modified cleaning tool may feature a shovel with a curved tip, enhancing debris removal and facilitating more effective cleaning and maintenance processes. Moreover, a pipe may incorporate micro-textures such as bumps or lines on specific materials to enhance heat dissipation and improve user comfort during operation. In some embodiments a case system may comprise a case in accordance with exemplary embodiments and a funnel for loading herb into thecompartment, or the like. The funnel may comprise a wider mouth portion and a narrower insert portion sized to fit snuggly within an opening of thecompartment, or the like. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a case may comprise engravable portions. For example, a user may wish to engrave a message, such as “Happy Birthday,” on a portion of the case. The case may be engravable on all sides.

The above description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting in scope. One of skill in this art will immediately envisage the methods and variations used to implement this invention in other areas than those described in detail.

In the disclosure and the claims, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, and the like, if any, will be used to distinguish similar components from each other and be used to describe a specific sequence or a generation sequence, but is not necessarily limited thereto. It will be understood that these terms are compatible with each other under an appropriate environment so that exemplary embodiments of the present invention set forth herein may be operated in a sequence different from a sequence illustrated or described herein. Likewise, in the case in which it is described herein that a method includes a series of steps, a sequence of these steps suggested herein is not necessarily a sequence in which these steps may be executed. That is, any described step may be omitted and/or any other step that is not described herein may be added to the method.

Here, the phrases “in an exemplary embodiment” or “in one embodiment” are not necessarily limited to one specific embodiment and may be applied to more than one embodiment. In addition, in the disclosure and the claims, terms such as “connected”, “connecting”, “linked”, “linking”, “coupled”, “coupling”, and the like, and various modifications of these terms may be used as the meaning including that one component is directly connected to another component or is indirectly connected to another component through the other component.

In addition, terms used in the present disclosure are for explaining exemplary embodiments rather than limiting the present invention. In the present disclosure, a singular form includes a plural form unless explicitly described to the contrary. Components, steps, operations, and/or elements mentioned by terms “comprise” and/or “comprising” used in the disclosure do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and/or elements.

Hereinabove, the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. All exemplary embodiments and conditional illustrations disclosed in the present disclosure have been described to intend to assist in the understanding of the principle and the concept of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that the present invention may be implemented in modified forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Therefore, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in an illustrative aspect rather than a restrictive aspect. The scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims rather than the above-mentioned description, and equivalents to the claims should be interpreted to fall within the present invention.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. For example, although numerous embodiments having various features have been described herein, combinations of such various features in other combinations not discussed herein are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.